Traditional Chinese Medicine and Acupuncture
Botanical Medicine
Clinical Nutrition and Orthomolecular Medicine
Lifestyle Counseling and Stress Management
Hydrotherapy
Homeopathy
Facial Rejuvenation Acupuncture
Traditional Chinese Medicine and Acupuncture
Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) is a system of medicine that has been used to prevent, diagnose and treat disease for over 5000 years. It is based on the Eastern philosophy of “Qi” (life energy) which travels through the body in channels called meridians. Each meridian corresponds to an organ in the body. Traditional Chinese Medicine seeks to balance the flow of Qi in the body in order to maintain health, treat illness and relieve pain.
Traditional Chinese Medicine uses distinct methods of diagnosis including tongue and pulse diagnosis to assess for weaknesses or imbalances in the Qi flow or the organs of the body. TCM is holistic in its emphasis on treating the whole person and not just the symptoms of their disease.
Acupuncture is the use of very fine, sterile acupuncture needles inserted into specific points along the meridians to control the flow of Qi. Acupuncture has been proven to be beneficial in the treatment of many conditions including joint pain, chronic back pain, digestive difficulties, menstrual irregularities, depression, insomnia, migraine and many others.
The World Health Organization acknowledges the effectiveness of acupuncture in the treatment of chronic pain and many other conditions.
Speak to your naturopath to discuss whether or not Traditional Chinese Medicine or Acupuncture could benefit your health.
Botanical (or herbal) medicine is the use of plants for healing and is considered to be the oldest form of medicine known to man. Many modern pharmaceutical drugs have their origin in botanical medicine (a classic example is Aspirin which was originally synthesized from white willow bark).
The World Health Organization estimates that 75% of the world still uses herbs as their primary medicine. It has also been estimated that the average Medical Doctor (MD) prescribes up to eight plant-based medications each day.
Naturopathic Medicine uses plant substances for their healing properties and nutritional value. Knowledge from Western and Eastern healing traditions combined with recent advances in pharmacognosy (the study of the therapeutic benefits of plants) and drug-herb interactions gives the Naturopathic Doctor the expertise needed to prescribe botanical medicines safely.
Herbal medicines are often prescribed in capsule, tablet or tincture form. Tinctures are liquid preparations of herbs and are usually alcohol-based. Dried or fresh herbs can also be prepared as teas by patients at home.
Botanical medicine is a gentler and more holistic approach to health than many pharmaceuticals, however botanical medicines are powerful medicines and may not be safe for all individuals. There are potential drug-herb interactions that can be harmful and some herbs may be toxic if taken in large doses. Speak to your Naturopathic Doctor to determine which herbs are useful and safe for you.
Clinical Nutrition and Orthomolecular Medicine
Clinical Nutrition examines the relationship between health and diet. Diet and nutrition are essential components of healthy living. Each cell in our body is composed of nutrients derived from the foods that we eat. Many conditions and diseases can be prevented and treated through changes in diet alone. In some instances supplementation may be needed when dietary changes are not enough to meet the body’s requirement for specific nutrients.
Naturopathic Doctors can assess your dietary and supplementation needs by conducting a nutritional analysis, evaluating digestive health, and looking at symptoms of possible nutrient deficiency. Individualized diet plans may be recommended and treatment may include nutritional supplements such as vitamins, minerals, enzymes and other nutraceuticals (extract of food with a medicinal effect on health).
Orthomolecular medicine is the practice of preventing and treating disease by providing the body with optimal amounts of nutrients which naturally occur in the body. Some individuals require very large doses (either short or long term) to correct an imbalance in nutrients in their body. Correct orthomolecular treatment can prevent or reverse various disease processes in the body.
Speak to your Naturopathic Doctor to find out how you can improve your health through proper eating, supplementation or Orthomolecular medicine.
Lifestyle Counseling and Stress Management
Lifestyle counseling is an important treatment tool in Naturopathic Medicine. The Naturopathic Doctor and patient work together to identify daily habits, exercise routines, environmental exposures, thoughts and belief patterns that may be positively or negatively impacting your health. Through Lifestyle Counseling your Naturopathic Doctor can help you find ways to make healthy choices and nourish not only your physical body but your mind and spirit as well.
Stress management is a type of lifestyle counseling that educates patients in the ways that stress impacts health in both positive and negative ways. Your Naturopathic Doctor will assist you in identifying negative stress in your life and teach you ways to manage stress and live a healthier and happier life.
Hydrotherapy is the use of water as a natural therapy. Water makes up more than 80% of the human body and is essential for survival of all life on Earth.
Therapeutic uses of water may include hot packs, ice, alternating showers, alternating hot and cold compresses, warming socks treatments and constitutional hydrotherapy.
Hydrotherapy is a simple and effective treatment that can be incorporated into your daily routine to strengthen immune function, detoxification, improve circulation and enhance overall health.
Homeopathy is a system of medicine that was developed in the 18th century by German physician Samuel Hahnemann. Homeopathic medicine is based on the Law of Similars (like cures like) where a very small dose of a substance is used to cure symptoms that it would cause if given in large doses.
Homeopathy recognizes a “vital force” (inner energy) that is unique to each individual. Homeopathic remedies are selected based on a thorough intake and an understanding of each patient’s unique spectrum of symptoms. A remedy will be selected that closely matches the symptoms the patient is experiencing and will stimulate that person’s vital force to return to a healthy state rather than by masking the symptoms of illness.
Homeopathic remedies are preparations of plant, animal and mineral substances that have been highly diluted and have no risk of toxicity or interaction with other medications or supplements. They are safe for use with infants, children, pregnant and breastfeeding women and pets.
Speak with your Naturopathic Doctor to learn more about how homeopathy can help to improve your health.
Facial Rejuvenation Acupuncture
Acupuncture has been used for thousands of years to safely and effectively enhance beauty. Originally developed to aid the Empress and court concubines to look healthy, vibrant and youthful Facial Rejuvenation Acupuncture is a natural and effective alternative to cosmetic procedures.
Facial Rejuvenation Acupuncture (also known as “cosmetic acupuncture” or an “acupuncture facelift”) involves the insertion of very fine disposable needles into points on the face and body. Stimulation of these points impacts inner balance as well as the physical prerequisites for youthful, glowing skin – improved circulation, even skin tone, tightened pores and healthy colour.
Benefits of Facial Rejuvenation Acupuncture include:
- Increases collagen production
- Reduces bags under the eyes
- Eliminates puffiness of the face
- Eliminates fine lines of the face and diminishes larger wrinkles
- Improves hormonal and cystic acne
- Improves facial colour and moisture
- Brightens the eyes
- Reduces double chin
- Tightens sagging skin and jowls
- Lifts drooping eyelids
- Slows the aging process
- Brings out a person’s innate beauty and radiance
To find out if Facial Rejuvenation Acupuncture is right for you, schedule a free 15 minute consultation with certified practitioner, Dr. Lisa Watson, ND.
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